30 September 2012 Edition

Tory Welfare Reform Bill resisted by Sinn Féin

Alex Maskey MLA

“The Tory Welfare Reform Bill is unacceptable to us in its current form. We will seek to make fundamental changes to it in the Assembly. Without significant amendment we will vote against this legislation.”

THE TORY-DRIVEN Welfare Reform Bill being imposed by the
British Government in Westminster will be voted against by Sinn Féin “without
significant amendment”, Alex Maskey MLA has said.

“Sinn Féin is fundamentally opposed to the austerity
policies and cuts agenda of the British Tory Government,” Alex said. “The Tory
Welfare Reform Bill is unacceptable to us in its current form. We will seek to
make fundamental changes to it in the Assembly. Without significant amendment
we will vote against this legislation.”

He added:

“These cuts are bad for communities and they are bad for
public services. They are targeted at the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in
our society.

“The electorate here rejected in overwhelming numbers the
Tory agenda when it was put before them at the last election. It is clear that
the British Government intend to drive ahead with their welfare cuts agenda.”